Through Mark’s gospel one of the themes introduced is the kingdom of God (ref. Mk. 1:1; 14-15). Part of understanding Mark’s account is understanding the good news of the kingdom: God’s rule and reign on the earth. However, as we move along in the narrative, we begin to see that Jesus’ view and understanding of God’s kingdom is not what many understood or expected God’s kingdom to be. Many had expected God’s Messiah (Jesus) to overthrow political systems and deliver an oppressed people from the Roman rule of the first century.
